An interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme seeking to augment capacity at the Kurnool-III pooling station (PS) in Andhra Pradesh is being deliberated upon.
Estimated to cost Rs.2,886 crore, the scheme that National Committee on Transmission (NCT) is expected to soon deliberate on, involves capacity augmentation at the existing Kurnool-III PS, in view of growing connectivity demand at the pooling station.
The 765/400/220kV Kurnool-III PS is currently being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) modality and is expected to commission by November 2024. This pooling station will be equipped with 3×1500 MVA, 765/400kV and 9×500 MVA, 400/220kV interconnecting transformers.
Under the proposed scheme, the Kurnool-III PS will see its transformation capacity augmented by 765/400kV, 4×1500 MVA, with associated lines and bays. The overall project is estimated to cost Rs.2,886 crore and will be implemented in three packages (A, B and C).
The entire project is scheduled to commission in stages by December 2027.
Project rationale
Connectivity of about 2,320 MW has already been granted at the upcoming Kurnool-III PS, which includes 1,720 MW at the 400kV level and 600 MW at 220kV. Subsequently, Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) received connectivity applications for a further 5,680 MW, taking the total connectivity application at Kurnool-III PS to 8,000 MW (400kV: 2,650 MW, 220kV: 5,350 MW). This has necessitated capacity augmentation at the upcoming Kurnool-III PS.
Further, the scheme will also need eight line bays of 400kV each for termination of dedicated transmission lines of private sector renewable energy developers. These eight bays include four for two pumped storage projects (PSP) of Adani Group, and four bays for Indosol Solar Pvt Ltd for its upcoming 3,500 MW solar park.
Three packages
Package A, estimated to cost Rs.2,650 crore, will involve putting up of 3×1500 MVA, 765/400kV interconnecting transformers (4th, 5th and 6th) at the Kurnool-IIII PS. It will also have a 260-km double-circuit 765kV line from Kurnool-III PS to Chilakaluripeta substation. Two 400kV line bays, meant for Adani Group’s PSP, will also be part of this package.
Package B, with an estimated outlay of Rs.110 crore, will entail setting up of the remaining six 400kV line bays – two for Adani Group and four for Indosol Solar.
Package C, envisaged to cost Rs.126 crore, will involve putting up a 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV interconnecting transformer (7th) at the Kurnool-IIII PS.
Mode of implementation
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) will soon be deliberating on this scheme and will also decide on the mode of implementation – whether TBCB or RTM. It is likely that the three packages are treated as independent schemes, having their own respective mode of implementation.
Featured photograph is for representation only.
